Hone your surf rescue skills with free course at Gnarabup

Local surfers interested in developing their ocean rescue skills can sign for a free rescue techniques and first aid course set to be held at Gnarabup Beach in Margaret River this March.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River and by Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and partnering with Surfing Western Australia to deliver the course, which recognises the value of recreational surfers in assisting distressed beachgoers.

Shire Corporate and Community Services Director Annie Riordan said the course is an opportunity to learn about on-board rescue techniques and learn, or brush up on, CPR and first aid skills.

“We are all very fortunate to live in part of the world with a vast stretch of beautiful coastline,” she said.

“Our beaches provide great opportunities for recreation, but there is some risk to beach users such as big swell, rips, rocks, wildlife and sporting injuries that occur during activities.

"There is also the possibility of people experiencing a medical conditions in a beach location.

“This course helps to upskill surfers to be able to provide a time-critical and potentially life-saving response.”

Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane the beauty of the coastline and world-class local surfing conditions attract a people from all around the world.

“This course is designed around the fact that surfers are in the water 365 days a year all up and down the coast,” he said.

“Those surfers could save the life of another surfer or even a swimmer.”